What happens if fan motor fails?

Author: Prof. Edgar Heidenreich V  |  Last update: Saturday, July 26, 2025

The fan motor can cause significant damage to your system if it's not working properly. If the fan motor is stuck, it could cause the compressor to overheat and fail, which can cause your entire system to break down. It's a good idea to check your AC fan motor every year, or at least once every two years.

How do I know if my fan motor is bad?

7 Signs Your AC Fan Motor Is Failing
  1. The Fan Won't Come On. A sure sign of a bad fan motor is a cooling fan that will not come on. ...
  2. The Fan Blades Rotate Slowly. ...
  3. The Condensor Makes a Rattling Noise. ...
  4. The Fan Runs Intermittently. ...
  5. Fan Runs When Unit Is Off. ...
  6. You Smell Burning Smells. ...
  7. Frequently Tripped Breakers.

How much does it cost to replace a fan motor?

What's the Cost of Repairing or Replacing a Fan Motor? The average cost of a condenser fan motor is between $300 and $500 (not including installation). If the compressor breaks, you are looking at a much costlier problem which could cost up to $2000. In some cases, your fan motor may be under warranty.

Can AC work without a fan?

Running your central air without the outside fan unit working is not recommended. The outside fan helps dissipate heat from the condenser coils, and without it, your system can overheat and potentially get damaged. It's best to get the fan unit fixed before using your central air again. I hope this helps you out!

What happens when an AC fan motor goes out?

A faulty AC fan motor can overload the electrical circuit, leading to frequent tripped circuit breakers. This occurs when the motor draws excessive electrical current due to a malfunction or damage. Professional inspection and repair can prevent further electrical issues and ensure your AC is operating safely.

Easy Electric Motor Repair - How to Connect Capacitor to Washing Machine Dryer Motor

Is it worth replacing fan motor on AC?

The Cost of Not Replacing It

Because of how hot the system runs, running your AC with a failed fan motor could result in your compressor failing, too. The compressor is a much more expensive component, typically running $1,400-$3,000, so procrastinating on AC repair could be a very costly delay.

What happens when a fan motor burns out?

The fan will stop circulating the air throughout your HVAC system. It most commonly occurs when the blower fan motor becomes aged or is overworked. A lack of regular maintenance is generally to blame for blower fan burnout.

Can I run my AC if the fan is not working?

Without the motion of the fans, the air will not be moved properly, and thus the until will not cool your home. The best way to keep your AC fan motor running properly is to ensure it gets regular maintenance and air conditioning repairs by a professional.

What happens when a condenser fan motor fails?

The Dangers of a Malfunctioning Condenser Fan Motor

If the condenser fan is not working properly, it can cause the temperature of the refrigerant to rise, leading to high-head pressure events. This can cause the compressor to overheat and potentially fail, resulting in costly repairs.

Can I run my AC with a bad blower motor?

Your AC's blower motor is responsible for moving air through your air conditioner to cool it and then pushing it back out into your home. Without this incredible component, your AC can't provide any cooling effect, no matter how much the compressor runs.

What is the life expectancy of a fan motor?

A blower motor should last at least 10 years, and could last up to 20, depending on the type of HVAC unit you have in your home. There are a few warning signs that your blower motor is damaged, including little-to-no airflow coming from your vents, a burning smell, and skyrocketing energy bills.

How long does it take to replace AC fan motor?

In general, it can take two to three hours to replace a typical blower motor.

Is replacing a fan easy?

With the right tools and careful attention to safety, most homeowners can successfully install a ceiling fan in just a few hours. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, whether you're replacing an existing light fixture or installing a brand-new fan.

What can cause a fan motor to go bad?

Overheating. Overheating is one of the most frequent occurrences that can render the blower motor inoperative. If the motor has overheated, it may shut itself down to prevent damage. You should keep your HVAC clean and clear of any blockages or debris to avoid overheating and maintain efficiency.

Should the outside fan run when AC is on?

The short answer: Definitely not. (Unless you have manually engaged your outside fan to run constantly, but it shouldn't be running for hours on it's own.) If your HVAC is functioning correctly, it should keep your house cool by cycling on for 15-20 minutes at a time—with distinct pauses in between each cycle.

What to do if fan motor is not working?

  1. Testing a Fan Motor. ...
  2. Make sure the thermostat is turned on. ...
  3. Check your circuit breaker. ...
  4. Investigate your filters. ...
  5. Check the windings on the fan motor. ...
  6. Check the capacitor.

How to know if a fan motor is bad?

7 Signs and Symptoms of a Bad AC Fan Motor
  1. AC Fan Doesn't Start. Even though you have the AC turned on, the fan does not start.
  2. AC Fan Doesn't Stop. ...
  3. Slow Rotating Blades. ...
  4. Outside Fan Blades Are Still. ...
  5. Rattling, Humming, and Buzzing Noises. ...
  6. AC Runs Intermittently. ...
  7. No Cold Airflow.

What does a broken condenser fan sound like?

Faulty condenser fan – if the fan motor to the outdoor fan is going bad, it may produce a buzzing noise while it runs. Buzzing can also be caused by an electrical issue affecting the fan motor or debris inside the unit that are interfering with the condenser fan.

How much is it to replace an AC capacitor?

For AC capacitor replacement, anticipate spending between $150 and $400, depending on the capacitor's type and accessibility. A bad AC capacitor is a fairly minor repair, and most HVAC technicians will recommend a repair rather than replacing the unit when the capacitor is the problem.

Why is my AC not blowing cold air but the fan is on?

If your AC is running but not cooling, it could be due to a dirty air filter, incorrect thermostat settings, a malfunctioning thermostat, a refrigerant leak, dirty condenser coils, blocked vents or ducts, a faulty compressor, frozen evaporator coils, or electrical issues.

What can happen if cooling fan is not working?

It has a direct impact on the engine's operating temperature and any systems that are related to it. You might see one or more of these symptoms: Overheating at idle or low speeds. Since the car's momentum isn't pushing enough air through the radiator at low speeds, the temperature will begin to creep up and overheat.

What is typically wrong with a fan motor when it does not run?

If it hums and turns freely but doesn't run, then it's probably the capacitor connected to the motor, and if it doesn't even hum, it's the motor's thermal fuse, switch, or power cord. But by far the easiest to fix, and the most common failure mode is when the lubricant has turned to gunk.

How to tell if a motor is burned out?

6 Signs of Electric Motor Failure
  1. Overheating. Is your motor consistently overheating? ...
  2. Vibration and Unusual Noises. ...
  3. Frequent Tripping of Circuit Breakers. ...
  4. Decreased Performance and Efficiency. ...
  5. Excessive Energy Consumption. ...
  6. Irregular Motor Operation. ...
  7. Operating Conditions. ...
  8. Vibration Analysis.

Previous article
Why is my washing machine still soapy after rinse?
Next article
What happens if you turn a fridge on and off?